Albany, NY, and many other affordable mid-sized metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) outpaced the national rent growth average for single-family rental (SFR) properties in the first half of 2025, according to an analysis of Zillow’s Observed Rent Index, which tracks the 100 largest markets in the U.S.
Driven by high construction costs, land constraints, and rental affordability, developers are increasingly prioritizing smaller units in higher-density multifamily properties. Utilizing data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s annual Survey of Construction, the research teams at Chandan Economics and Arbor Realty Trust have analyzed how the characteristics of new multifamily properties continue to evolve.
In today’s constantly evolving market environment, partnering with a lender that can balance prioritizing speed of execution with tailored solutions makes all the difference in securing the financing you need. Arbor’s experience, expertise, and innovation, combined with our willingness to understand each deal and work to make it successful, set us apart from other multifamily lenders. In our more than three decades of closing deals, we’ve found that having these 10 items on hand at the beginning of your borrowing journey helps prevent roadblocks and streamlines the entire financing process.
The single-family rental (SFR) sector continued showing strength in several key areas in the second quarter of 2025, even as residential housing market growth moderated.
The U.S. housing market reflects a patchwork of local needs, preferences, and geographies, creating distinct storylines. Across the country, many significant shifts have occurred over the last five years, an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows. More expensive housing markets tend to support higher percentages of rental households, and in fast-growing metros, rentals have become a highly effective and flexible way to house new residents.
In all market cycles, commercial real estate firms are better positioned to achieve successful results with leaders who are strong, confident, and authentic, qualities demonstrated by the dozens of speakers at the 2025 Real Estate Pride Roundtable in New York City.
Single-family rental (SFR) investing is surging as this asset class outperforms. With homeownership less attainable and lifestyle renting more popular, the sector’s tailwinds bode well for long-term growth. If you are new to this space, our guide has answers to commonly asked questions.
Bolstered by robust build-to-rent (BTR) activity, the single-family rental (SFR) sector continued to display strength even as the residential housing market moderated. Arbor’s Single-Family Rental Investment Trends Report Q2 2025, developed in partnership with Chandan Economics, provides original research and analysis of key performance metrics for investors to take a closer look at a sector on the rise.
A panoramic view of how Arbor grows financial partnerships through successful
product executions that deliver results for our clients
Units
Santa Barbara County
Year Built
The borrower was interested in refinancing a vintage townhome-style apartment community in Santa Barbara County, California, to improve cash flow for their growing portfolio. With interest rates rising, the borrower was in search of cost savings during the refinancing of a loan. The environmentally conscious borrower, who already intended to make improvements to their properties, was interested in exploring how going green could result in short- and long-term savings.
Through a focus on developing client relationships, Arbor keenly understood the borrower’s objectives to cut down costs and protect the environment. Arbor was able to fulfill both goals in one transaction. First, Arbor utilized the Fannie Mae Green Financing® program to lower the borrower’s interest rate and increase net operating income. Then, Arbor closely monitored trends in U.S. Treasurys and moved quickly to lock in the best possible rate at the time.
Fannie Mae’s Green Financing program enabled the borrower to save money on interest by committing to make enhancements to the property that improve energy efficiency by 30% within 12 months of closing. By enrolling in this program, they will save a significant amount of money due to locking in at a lower interest rate and the longer interest-only period of the loan. Ultimately, Arbor’s borrower received a better rate at a higher loan amount and will likely achieve a high net operating income over the life of the loan.